Queen Creek Blog - World Of Arizonahttps://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/Sun, 27 Jan 2019 03:51:58 +0000en-USSite-Server v6.0.0-17338-17338 (http://www.squarespace.com)The Bistro | Chill Vibe, Local Cafe in Queen Creek, AZ...Yes Please!qc foodqc local business#McSassySun, 27 Jan 2019 04:16:02 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2019/1/26/the-bistro-chill-vibe-local-cafe-in-queen-creek-azyes-please5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c4d2ade2b6a28b6ba133953Visiting Queen Creek, Arizona? Live in the Villages at Queen Creek? Hungry
or in desperate need of coffee? Look no further than The Bistro!
Conveniently located just north of downtown Queen Creek at the southeast
corner of…Visiting Queen Creek, Arizona? Live in the Villages at Queen Creek? Hungry or in desperate need of coffee? Look no further than The Bistro! Conveniently located just south of downtown Queen Creek at the southeast corner of Old Ellsworth Road and Sierra Park Boulevard, The Bistro is an eclectic cafe offering delicious fare of flatbread pizzas, paninis, tasty grilled sandwiches and more. If you’re looking to get your caffeine fix on, The Bistro also provides a full-service coffee bar.

Now that we've covered The Bistro's caffeine fix offerings let's talk other drink offerings. You guessed it, this local QC cafe has what's called "the bistro bar" which serves up adult beverages of white and red wines, sangria and cocktails. Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging like that and not get into the mouth-watering ingredients of said drink list! Full disclosure, I haven't yet tasted any drinks from the bistro bar. A travesty, I know. So going strictly off The Bistro's menu, here are a few of their age-restricted drink items you'll find.

The Bistro Queen Creek | B & G half order with side of scrambled eggs.

Kudos to you for waiting so patiently for the food. Mmm, the yummy food. If I had to describe The Bistro's food overall in five words or less it would be; made fresh, distinctive, intriguing, tasty, more, please. Okay, seven words. Instead of me rambling on and listing the menu items, I invite you to give The Bistro a try and discover the goodness for yourself. Maybe first check out their Instagram page @the_bistro_queencreek or facebook page @thebistroqc. The staff is consistently posting specials and tempting food pics. I'd be willing to bet your curiosity will be peaked to lead you down Old Ellsworth Road directly to this local eatery hot spot.

You can bet, I will be branching out on my next trip to The Bistro and perhaps will be giving the white wine sangria a try, versus my usual delicious iced vanilla breve latte. That being said, I may have to consider visiting in the evening for dinner, versus the morning for breakfast for this particular culinary outing. Ha!

Article by #McSassy | WOA

]]>The Bistro | Chill Vibe, Local Cafe in Queen Creek, AZ...Yes Please!Neighborhood Spotlight | Villages At Queen Creekqc neighborhoodsqc real estateHashtag HenryFri, 30 Nov 2018 00:02:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/5/29/neighborhood-spotlight-villages-at-queen-creek5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2ea0c570a6ad1b09acf9a4My overall impression was positive as I looped through the neighborhood,
leaving the same way I entered. I like the location, the family-friendly
vibe, the golf course, and the fresh local businesses located in the
complex just off Old Ellsworth Road.

I took a drive the other day in Queen Creek and decided to check out some neighborhoods that I hadn’t been to in a while. As I was heading South on Ellsworth towards San Tan Valley, I hung a quick left and drove down my favorite area in Queen Creek...Old Ellsworth Road. This area is worth checking out to see the improvements they've made. I'll be writing more specifically about these changes in upcoming articles. For now, let's take a drive through The Villages at Queen Creek, which you will find on the South end of Old Ellsworth Road.

At this entrance, you'll find a divided two-lane road for about a quarter mile until it opens up and takes you to a couple of round-a-bouts heading all the way to East Rittenhouse Road regardless of your choice at the round-a-bout. As I drove down East Village Loop S (I took a right at the round-a-bout), I saw what feels like a cozy neighborhood well taken care of by both the HOA (Home Owners Association) and its residents. I drove past the school (Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary), several greenbelts, parks and playgrounds, and a glimpse at a seemingly happy golfer. The Las Colinas Golf Course is nestled inside this adorable neighborhood and offers a community pool and restaurant at the clubhouse.

My overall impression was positive as I looped through the neighborhood, leaving the same way I entered. I like the location, the family-friendly vibe, the golf course, and the fresh local businesses located in the complex just off Old Ellsworth Road. I have frequented the Bistro many times over the years and remain a big fan. If you search The Bistro in Queen Creek within this site, you'll find a few articles our contributors have written to help back me up.

]]>Neighborhood Spotlight | Villages At Queen CreekSushi Creek, Sushi Downtown QCqc foodqc local businessHashtag HenryThu, 15 Nov 2018 17:27:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/11/15/sushi-creek-sushi-downtown-qc5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2f95cc4ae2375a06970761The vibe at Sushi Creek reminds me of every casual local hangout. It has a
warm and inviting feel to it, and it's not short of seating between the
booths, tables and bar bellies. But it does seem a bit cramped on Sundays
thanks to happy hour.I have fond memories over the years of Sushi Creek in Queen Creek. Most of them took place on Sunday afternoons and concluded past closing time. The reason is mostly that Sushi Creek offers happy hour all day, every Sunday and has excellent prices on the "happy hour" menu.

Sushi Creek | Queen Creek, AZ

I think this would be a good time to disclose that I do, on occasion, enjoy an ice-cold Japanese beer lined up next to a warm craft of sake. In front of me, you would find a saucer filled with soy sauce and a plate complete with sushi rolls, probably in this order: 2 California rolls, 2 Spicy Tuna rolls, 2 Spicy Yellow-tail rolls, and 2 Philadelphia rolls. At the side of the dish is a significant portion of ginger and wasabi.

If you're with a party and sushi is not your first love, Sushi Creek offers an "I Hate Sushi Menu". You'll find burgers and fries along with plenty of appetizers.

The vibe at Sushi Creek reminds me of every casual local hangout. It has a warm and inviting feel to it, and it's not short of seating between the booths, tables and bar bellies. But it does seem a bit cramped on Sundays thanks to happy hour.

In summary, Sushi Creek in Queen Creek is one of my favorite sushi bars in the valley. I think mostly because of the friendly local atmosphere hid away in a corner strip mall. And I don't think it's a coincidence that my other favorites follow the same traits.

Article by Hashtag Henry | WOA

]]>Sushi Creek, Sushi Downtown QCCommunity Spotlight | Queen Creek Performing Arts Centerqc arts & culture#McSassySun, 24 Jun 2018 17:18:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/6/24/community-spotlight-queen-creek-performing-arts-center5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2f93cf6d2a73219ee4172aShows and Events are broken down into several different series including
Centerstage Series, Family Theatre Series, Free Art Series and Special
Events. Previous notable shows and events held, country artist; Scotty
McCreery…Located at 22149 E Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek Performing Arts Center offers patrons to partake in a variety of options of performing arts, such as theater, music, dance, and lectures, to name a few. The 777 capacity theater space is fully equipped to handle a multitude of shows and events, ranging from community theater to local church services. The Art Center also provides camps and workshops for budding young actors to learn new techniques and skills.

Shows and Events are broken down into several different series including Centerstage Series, Family Theatre Series, Free Art Series and Special Events. Previous notable shows and events held, country artist; Scotty McCreery, the beloved musical; Sister Act, as well as, Elvis, The Gospel Years featuring Victor Trevino Jr. as Elvis. Concerts and recitals are hosted at QCPAC as well, such as local dance company recitals and Queen Creek High School Drama.

Queen Creek Performing Art Center is sponsored locally by Schnepf Farms, Sossaman Farms, Town of Queen Creek, Queen Creek Unified School District No. 95, as well as the Arizona Commission on the Arts. The facility and equipment can be rented for events, meetings, video screenings, etc. Rental rates can be found on their website.

If you’re looking to share your time and meet people who share similar interests in the performing art, the opportunity to volunteer at the center may be a good fit. Their volunteer group “In the Wings” has openings for ushers, administrative assisting and staff performances.

I recommend checking out Queen Creek Performing Arts Center when the mood strikes to enjoy a live show!

]]>Community Spotlight | Queen Creek Performing Arts CenterGrab A Picnic Basket | Family Fun At Desert Mountain Parkqc recreation#McSassySun, 24 Jun 2018 17:11:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/6/24/grab-a-picnic-basket-family-fun-at-desert-mountain-park5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2f912421c67cb1374d2704Totaling 29 acres and multiple parks and recreational opportunities, Desert
Mountain Park in Queen Creek, Arizona is a great place for residents and
visitors to hang out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather.Totaling 29 acres and multiple parks and recreational opportunities, Desert Mountain Park in Queen Creek, Arizona is a great place for residents and visitors to hang out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather. Whether you’re looking to picnic or play, this city park offers many options for your recreational needs.

Amenities include plentiful parking, two lighted basketball courts, two sand volleyball courts, four lighted Little League fields, two lighted multi-purpose fields, two playgrounds, one interpretative playground, eight picnic ramadas, an amphitheater to accommodate 150-200 people with picnic ramada seating, access to wash trail, ADA access, equestrian staging area and a demonstration garden.

Reservations for park space can be made through Town of Queen Creek Parks and Recreation Department, 480-358-3700. The city maintains the park and has been cited as “always clean” and “well kept.” With its location close to the school, established neighborhoods such as; Montelena and Terraranch, and up-and-coming subdivision of; Victoria make this park convenient for frequent visitation. Extensive bike and wash trails stemming all the way through Queen Creek to Gilbert make this park a popular destination for neighboring resident bike riders, pedestrians, and horseback riders.

If you get the chance and are in the mood to hang out at a local park, check out Desert Mountain Park, you won't be sorry.

Articles by McSassy | WOA

]]>Grab A Picnic Basket | Family Fun At Desert Mountain ParkHappy Tails Barkery & Pet Boutiqueqc local business#McSassySun, 03 Jun 2018 16:59:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/6/3/happy-tails-barkery-amp-pet-boutique5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2f8f24032be4d00e939c34Who can resist a deliciously decorated celebration cake or homemade
convection? No one, that's who! Not even our furry friends. Enter Happy
Tails Barkery & Pet Boutique based out of Queen Creek, AZ. HTB specializes…Who can resist a deliciously decorated celebration cake or homemade convection? No one, that's who! Not even our furry friends. Enter Happy Tails Barkery & Pet Boutique based out of Queen Creek, AZ. HTB specializes in natural pet treats and custom baked “K9 Dessert Cakes”. Yes, you read that correctly, cakes for dogs. Having two dogs in my family, I consider myself a "dog person." That being said, I can honestly say, I’ve never thought to get a cake for my furry family members. But why not? Our pets are beloved members of our family that give us unconditional love and joy every single day. Why not give back with a beautiful custom K9 cake or delicious looking K9 Cupcakes. What a concept!

Aside from custom doggy cakes and cupcakes, Happy Tails Barkery & Pet Boutique serves up a range of other products.

Grain & Gluten Free Treats

Gluten Free Treats

All Wheat Flour Treats

Jerkies & Chews

Shampoos

Interested in purchasing some of these pooch-friendly finds? HTB treats and products are on their website. Or all over Arizona at local farmers markets and retail locations including several Pet Planet locations in and around the Greater Phoenix area.

You are truly supporting local when you purchase from Happy Tails Barkery. This local business is also a member of Local First Arizona.

Personally, I am quite excited to purchase some delightful products from Happy Tails Barkery & Pet Boutique for my beloved pups. Their shampoos look especially intriguing since it's getting very close to "doggy spa treatment" (code for the dreaded "bathtime") in our household.

Happy Tails! (Pun intended)

Article by McSassy | WOA

]]>Happy Tails Barkery & Pet BoutiqueTerraranch | Queen Creek, AZqc neighborhoodsqc real estate#McSassySun, 03 Jun 2018 00:46:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/6/2/terraranch-queen-creek-az5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2eab8b0e2e7230e30be1a6Upon entering this quaint community, I immediately felt a pride of
homeownership. Each custom built home I drove by had their own uniquely
landscaped front yards. Nothing overdone or flashy, just nice and homey.
I’ll be honest…I was out and about the other weekend and decided to check out an intriguing looking neighborhood in Queen Creek. Simply out of sheer curiosity after seeing Terraranch on the map near a local park I enjoy visiting from time to time; Desert Mountain Park. Nestled at the northeast corner of S Hawes Rd and E Chandler Heights Rd, with only two entrances, Terraranch is almost like a mysterious getaway.

Upon entering this quaint community, I immediately felt a pride of home-ownership. Each custom built home I drove by had their own uniquely landscaped front yards. Nothing overdone or flashy, just nice and homey. I’ll be honest, it didn’t take long to drive through the whole neighborhood. Shucks, it wouldn’t take too long to walk or ride your bike through this cozy community, which is pretty cool in my opinion. Talk about a quiet, chill place to hang your hat!

Making my way around the four streets squaring of the neighborhood, with cul de sacs at the corners, as well as the two other cross streets, I discovered that Terraranch also offers a large grassy park area, covered playground and sand volleyball court to boot.

If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend checking out Terraranch. Like I mentioned previously, it won’t take too long! In our fast-paced, busy lives, it feels good to take some time and discover new places. For me visiting this little subdivision was a positive experience being it was so close to local Queen Creek hot spots like Queen Creek Marketplace and Old Ellsworth Brewery.

I consider Terraranch a top contender for anyone looking for a new neighborhood with custom built homes. Heck, I even saw a few empty lots for sale! (real estate help here)

If a smaller community of less than a 100 houses isn’t your thing, check out neighboring subdivisions in Queen Creek on this site. Our contributors have written articles about Montelena, which directly borders Terraranch.

Article by McSassy | WOA

]]>Terraranch | Queen Creek, AZOld Ellsworth Brewing Company | Queen Creekqc foodqc local businessHashtag HenrySun, 03 Jun 2018 00:39:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/6/2/old-ellsworth-brewing-company-queen-creek5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2ea9fbc2241b1c73396304Each visit has had a different story to tell depending on who was
accompanying me at the time (the people I hang with are notably weird :).
The constant was both the food and service, which were terrific!I've taken the opportunity to check out Old Ellsworth Brewing Company in Queen Creek on several occasions over the past year. Each visit has had a different story to tell depending on who was accompanying me at the time (the people I hang with are notably weird :). The constant was both the food and service, which were terrific!

Old Ellsworth Brewing Company is located at the corner of Old Ellsworth Rd and Ocotillo Rd in Queen Creek, AZ. I have to admit when they opened, I had my apprehensions strictly based on failed businesses that occupied the space over the years. But this is a new era.

Turns out, the magic sauce is beer? Not so fast, even though it is clearly suggested that Old Ellsworth Brewing Company actually brews its own beer, they were not quite in the brewing game when they first opened the doors.

Although I was disheartened to learn that they only offer other local craft beers, I was always impressed with the menu. Each visit has presented a new favorite item, and after my third visit, I was convinced. These folks know what they're doing. Beer or no beer, Old EBC in Queen Creek made my short list of recommendations to friends and family.

Hopefully, you've made it this far into the read to learn that Old Ellsworth Brewing Company is currently offering their in-house craft beer menu! I have not had the pleasure of checking out the new line-up, but as sure as the sun rises you can bet that I'll be in soon. To be honest, as much as I like beer, my "beer-buds" won't be the final say when I consider future visits! This place rocks either way. And if they brew half as well as they cook, the sun will continue to rise (I'm not even sure what that means).

Article by Hashtag Henry | WOA

]]>Old Ellsworth Brewing Company | Queen CreekHow Common Are RV Gates in Queen Creek Homes?qc real estateqc neighborhoodsHashtag HenrySun, 03 Jun 2018 00:33:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/6/2/how-common-are-rv-gates-in-queen-creek-homes5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2ea830562fa781f2707dfbIt's easy enough to find properties with the description declaring "8 foot
RV gate". Problem solved! Not so fast, just because a property has an
8-foot gate, doesn't mean you can park your RV behind it.As you know, Queen Creek is home to a variety of people originating from all corners of the United States. Many of our residents travel by RV (Recreational Vehicle), creating an essential problem upon arrival. Where does the RV go?

It's easy enough to find properties with the description declaring "8 foot RV gate". Problem solved! Not so fast, just because a property has an 8-foot gate, doesn't mean you can park your RV behind it. Ironically, most communities controlled by HOA's (Homeowners Associations) prohibit long-term parking of Recreation Vehicles on the premise.

To be clear, it's not the RV itself that poses the problem; it's the size. Many neighborhoods prohibit objects from protruding over the walls that surround the property. So unless the property has at least 12-foot walls (very unlikely), it goes against the neighborhood rules to park an RV behind an RV gate! I know, it seems irrational.

Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem. Even though you are unlikely to take on and win a battle with the HOA successfully, you can find accommodating neighborhoods that welcome your traveling style. Suggest your real estate agent show you properties with no HOA's and increase the lot size parameters. You may be surprised by how many available properties make this list. Unfortunately, you may also be surprised by the price tag attached to them.

In most cases, there is likely a solution that suits all parties. Queen Creek has a variety of locations that solve this very problem. Reach out to our recommended real estate team:

]]>How Common Are RV Gates in Queen Creek Homes?Montelena in Queen Creekqc neighborhoodsqc real estateHashtag HenryWed, 30 May 2018 00:18:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/5/29/montelena-in-queen-creek5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2ea5161ae6cf04ac232d8aThis excellent little neighborhood sits just south of Desert Mountain Park
in Queen Creek, also connected via trails. Montelena is 25 miles southeast
of Sky Harbor International Airport, and only 4 miles south of…In my quest to learn more about Queen Creek neighborhoods, I came across Montelena, which had me doing double-takes more than once! My first impression was "wow, it feels open." The lots, roads and parks seemed unusually spacious.

After a little research, I learned that there are roughly 400 lots in Montelena and fantastic access (via trails) to the rest of world! If you were to jump on a bike and head out on a neighborhood trail, you could quickly end up at the Queen Creek/Gilbert border at Power Rd and Queen Creek Rd. This would be on route to grab some groceries at the neighborhood Safeway store. And if for some odd reason you couldn't wait for the grocery store, you could stop by the Creek Side Taco Shack along the way, grab a taco and chill out on their awesome patio. Once you've recaptured your strength, hit the trail and don't look back (i'm reasonably convinced it's downhill both ways). Sounds like an exceptional day!

This excellent little neighborhood sits just south of Desert Mountain Park in Queen Creek, also connected via trails. Montelena is 25 miles southeast of Sky Harbor International Airport, and only 4 miles south of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. You are mere minutes from the Queen Creek Marketplace and Harkins Theater.

There sure does seem to be a lot of positives about Montelena, and not to be overlooked is its neighbor to the Southwest, TerraRanch. This is another little gem in Queen Creek that deserves some positive press.

]]>Montelena in Queen CreekLas Colinas Golf Club | Queen Creek, AZqc neighborhoodsHashtag HenryWed, 30 May 2018 00:09:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/5/29/las-colinas-golf-club-queen-creek-az5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2ea2c30e2e7230e30b6c47One of my favorite local courses in Queen Creek is the Las Colinas Golf
Club nestled in The Villages at Queen Creek. The rates are affordable, and
the course is forgiving. Forgiveness is vital to golfers like me because of
my…One of my favorite local courses in Queen Creek is the Las Colinas Golf Club nestled in The Villages at Queen Creek. The rates are affordable, and the course is forgiving. Forgiveness is vital to golfers like me because of my tendencies to wander left, right, short and long. I enjoy the landscaping mostly because there are few obstacles.

In all sincerity, the course is agreeable to players of all skill levels. I've played with every type of golfer and found that this type of course can serve a diverse foursome with the best.

Las Colinas Golf Club in Queen Creek, AZ

Personally, the driving range is a great way to burn off some steam without committing a large chunk of time. I'll grab a bucket of balls in the morning, hit for about an hour and grab some breakfast. The clubhouse offers a bar and grill, and a pro shop as well.

As mentioned earlier, the golf course is a part of the community Villages at Queen Creek. Residents enjoy access to a community pool located at the clubhouse at E Rittenhouse Rd & E Village Loop Rd N.

The Las Colinas Golf Club offers annual memberships and hosts events throughout the year accommodating all ages and skill levels. You can book a tee time right from the website updating in real-time. So if you finish up your daily chores early, you can swiftly check the next available slot and get it booked. Grab your clubs, tell the significant other you need to run some errands, and well, you know the rest.

Article by Hashtag Henry | WOA

]]>Las Colinas Golf Club | Queen Creek, AZScentlery | Locally Made Jewelry, Uniquely Scentedqc arts & cultureqc local business#McSassyTue, 08 May 2018 23:49:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/5/8/scentlery-locally-made-jewelry-uniquely-scented5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2e9d47352f53b0e560d084Scentlery is exactly how it sounds...Scent plus Jewelry equals Scentlery!
Scentlery’s products are truly unique. If you’re looking for a one of a
kind, handcrafted, locally made, artistic, beautifully designed piece of
jewelry that smells amazing...Scentlery is exactly how it sounds...Scent plus Jewelry equals Scentlery! Scentlery’s products are truly unique. If you’re looking for a one of a kind, handcrafted, locally made, artistic, beautifully designed piece of jewelry that smells amazing...Scentlery is your happy place. I personally enjoy a great piece of jewelry, as well as a wonderful, natural aroma. So yes, I’ve found one of my happy places!

A Queen Creek resident for 15+ years, Scentlery’s owner and designer; Nilza has a calm inspirational energy about her you’re instantly drawn to. Not to mention the amazing aroma that surrounds her studio and workshop. Testing aromatherapy (essential oils) on herself as a solution to remedy pain from a traumatic accident, Nilza found healing success in her own experimental oil blends. In 2014, when her teenage son with dyslexia came to her for help concentrating in school, she tapped into her own personal experiences with aromatherapy. With a masters degree in education, inspiration from her son, a passion for helping others and a keen eye for functional design, a creative, wearable vessel for the helpful oil blend was born.

After spending time getting to know Nilza a little more, I can tell you she is truly passionate about her craft and feels very blessed. Recognizing the helpful benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils, Nilzas is currently studying to become a certified aromatherapist. Quality and beneficial function are at the core of Nilza’s soul and business practice.

Several jewelry oil diffusers are created and sold by Scentery. Materials ranging from glass, wood and metal diffusers on necklaces, rings, keychains and charms are available.

]]>Scentlery | Locally Made Jewelry, Uniquely ScentedCreek Side Taco Shack | Queen Creek, AZqc foodqc local businessHashtag HenryFri, 04 May 2018 23:39:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2018/5/4/creek-side-taco-shack-queen-creek-az5c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2e9ad30e2e7230e30af6faThe location is both strange and genius. It feels as if it doesn’t belong,
but as the area grows and the walking/biking paths continue to expand the
neighborhood connectivity, it almost becomes exciting! Lately, the view
from…The Creek Side Taco Shack is a local taco shop in Queen Creek, AZ. It’s the kind of place that you’ve driven by so many times and often wondered about. Over the years there have been different restaurants to give it the old neighborhood try, but never quite seemed to gain the traction.

The location is both strange and genius. It feels as if it doesn’t belong, but as the area grows and the walking/biking paths continue to expand the neighborhood connectivity, it almost becomes exciting! Lately, the view from the car window has been different. You see lights overhead, misters cooling, crowds lounging, bodies bellied up to the outdoor bar, people walking up the neighborhood paths towards the venue, horses tied to hitching posts (yes, literally), cars in the parking lot and volleyball nets! Ok, we have to check this place out...so we did.

The atmosphere is super casual with tables in the sand, an outdoor bar, sand volleyball and plenty of room outside for expansion. There is also seating available inside, but on this beautiful Arizona evening, outside wins.

The staff was friendly and the food was great. We only tried a couple menu items (smoked pork carnitas, grilled shrimp tacos), but there will be plenty of time for everything else!

We have been long time supporters of neighborhood local business and what they bring to communities. The Creek Side Taco Shack encompasses an important role in the way we think of bringing the community back to our neighborhoods. I’m sure the good people in the surrounding neighborhoods embrace this wonderful little corner of their world and will continue to support!

The Queen Creek 14 is a tremendous boost to the residential community in Queen Creek as well as surrounding areas. Residents of nearby Gilbert and San Tan Valley should also see the effects of the recent addition.

Congratulations Queen Creek! Grab the popcorn, it's showtime!

Article by Hashtag Henry | WOA

]]>Queen Creek Opens Harkins Movie Theatre "Queen Creek 14"Golfing Tips From A 26 Handicap | Part 2qc recreationHashtag HenryTue, 11 Nov 2014 23:02:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2014/11/11/golfing-tips-from-a-26-handicap-part-25c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2e9384aa4a998b32090e83So it's not exactly a "Lord of The Rings" type journey to get through this
course, but it does offer some water and sand traps that may occasionally
get in your way. It's fairly difficult to bounce your tee shots off the
homes here, so it ranks high on my list.LAS COLINAS GOLF CLUB IN QUEEN CREEK, AZ

That's right, I went back for more! As you can tell, I'm not exactly a journeyman when it comes to golf. Like everyone, I have my courses and I pretty much stick to them. By the way, The Villages at Queen Creek is the neighborhood that bellies up to this course. So back to Las Colinas! The land of not so many trees and forgiving fairways.

So it's not exactly a "Lord of The Rings" type journey to get through this course, but it does offer some water and sand traps that may occasionally get in your way. It's fairly difficult to bounce your tee shots off the homes here, so it ranks high on my list. I was accompanied by fellow Realtor® Dave Bracklow. The day was fairly uneventful as far as trees and traps go, and I managed to land three par's in a row. I found a little success choking up on my clubs to gain a bit more control, and got some tips on aiming in my stance. My score was +26 through 13 holes.

Like I said, pretty much a normal afternoon other than around the 8th hole. I hit my drive left of the fairway near the fence line. We noticed a gentleman walking around near where my ball landed. Weird. So I went looking for my ball in the area i thought it landed. Eventually I found the ball, but not before noticing the same man standing with his push mower just on the inside of his gate. Just standing...staring....waiting? What is he doing? Say something man! Weird. So I hit my ball and wandered away, looking back cautiously at "Lawnmower Man"! I get a few yards away, and sure as the sky is blue, Lawnmower Man started lawn mowing! Lawn mowing the golf course! Yes. Just simply started mowing the golf course as if it was his own. As if he'd been waiting his whole dam life to mow that grass! That beautiful "greener" grass on the other side. He had probably been mowing his same old boring grass for years and decided this was the day! I'm going to do it! I'm going to mow where no man has mowed before...except for the greens-keeper...the luckiest man in the whole world!

Article by Hashtag Henry | WOA

]]>Golfing Tips From A 26 Handicap | Part 2Golfing Tips From A 26 Handicap: Part 1qc recreationHashtag HenrySat, 25 Oct 2014 22:57:00 +0000https://www.worldofarizona.com/queen-creek-blog/2014/10/25/golfing-tips-from-a-26-handicap-part-15c2a8ed52714e521cd567a58:5c2d3f0c0ebbe86c9d812348:5c2e91aa562fa781f26f3381I walk around the course with an undeserving sense of accomplishment,
bouncing my ball from tree to tree. It's true, the last time I went
golfing, I actually drove the ball HARD into 4 different trees...on the
same hole.THE TRUTH: 26 IS A LONELY NUMBER

Arizona is well known for its golfing as well as its golfers, this is true. So what is it that keeps us (me) coming back for more embarrassing moment after moment? For me, the game can be more frustrating in hindsight, which they say is 20/20. My golf hindsight is usually blurred by me pounding my head with the palm of my hand. What's that in my head? "You're an idiot!", "What are you doing!". Ok, stop, breathe, focus...nice...easy...swing....."WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING!" Throw the club into the water, kick the golf cart, tackle the people behind me...fade to black.

Ok, so that's the dramatic version. I like to believe that everyone has the occasional "Happy Gilmore" flash at least once in 18 holes. For me it helps to visualize how horrible "Happy" was (in the first part of the movie). I walk around the course with an undeserving sense of accomplishment, bouncing my ball from tree to tree. It's true, the last time I went golfing, I actually drove the ball HARD into 4 different trees...on the same hole. That was actually at Los Colinas in Queen Creek, AZ. The funny part is that there is only four trees on this course. Ok, there's more than four trees, but there are not many that you should be concerned with anyway.

So we've established that I stink at golf. That's not the problem. The problem is that I love the game! I love playing golf. As bad as I am on one hole, I can't wait to get to the next tee box. And, I have a funny feeling that I will never get better, and will probably stink for the rest of my life. But strangely, I have this eerie sense of confidence when I play, sometimes to the point that I'll actually talk trash to my partner? True. They usually just look at me and give me a pitty smile (but probably totally freaked out).

I've received tons of great advice that sometimes works, but mostly just makes it worse. I pretty much know exactly how to play a perfect game of golf, but I can't actually do it. This is absolutely a recurring theme in my life, I know you were thinking it :). So anyway, here it goes, my first tip from a 26 handicap:

Check to see if anyone was watching. If they were, pretend like it was a practice swing...maybe do a couple more practice swings & back stretches to really sell it.

Step back up to the tee: shake it off, stance is shoulders width apart, elbows in, head down, nice & easy balanced swing, and................. hit the top of the ball..........it rolled almost exactly 7 feet.

Pick up the ball and let the next person hit.

Go sit in the cart and pretend like everything is just fine.

Pull out your cell phone and stare at it for awhile.

Live for another hole. God I love this game.

This was fun, I think I will continue this blog and keep you informed as I continue to stink. The glass is half full, because I get to spend time outside in some of the most beautiful golf courses our planet has to offer, and hang out with some pretty cool people. I'll let you know how I do, and where I'm playing...and maybe, just maybe we'll get better together. Feel free to leave your golf tips in the comments. Everything helps!